Singapore – Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) in Singapore has recently collaborated with Microsoft to open the Centre for Applied AI (C4AI), which will empower SMEs with the platform, tools, and expertise to drive AI adoption, as they embark on their digitalisation journey.
This collaboration is supported by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and will seek to nurture AI talent for the workforce through co-certification of full-time diploma courses with NYP. C4AI will play an important role in realising Singapore’s Smart Nation goals. At C4AI, NYP learners are trained to curate plug-and-play AI solutions on Microsoft Cloud that SMEs can use responsibly and safely.
By embracing tech intensity through AI, SMEs can increase efficiency and productivity by reducing repetitive and labour-intensive tasks. Learners are also equipped with the latest AI skills, to become enablers of AI adoption in Singapore.
In addition, C4AI will offer SMEs the opportunity to experiment, conceptualise and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions, as well as learn from similar AI adoption from other local SMEs in a range of sectors including manufacturing, urban farming, logistics and retail. The Centre will also conduct relevant training or workshops to help SMEs better identify, analyse, and adopt relevant AI solutions in their digital transformation journeys.
For its part, NYP will work to help SMEs adopt AI in a number of ways. One will be helping SMEs assess their business needs before recommending ready-to-use AI solutions and developing a roadmap for effective AI implementation leveraging Microsoft Cloud solutions.
Another will be helping companies to develop workplace learning practices for AI and train staff to adopt AI solutions sustainably to improve their operations.
Principal & CEO of NYP, Ms Jeanne Liew, said: “The last two years have delivered various shocks to many industries, hastening the need to constantly innovate and enhance their operations to remain competitive. The Centre for Applied AI will be a key resource centre for companies to leverage expertise from both NYP and Microsoft as they learn, curate, and adopt AI to boost productivity and capabilities in a sustainable manner. The co-certifications from Microsoft and the hands-on experiences for our students here will also equip them with future-ready AI skills to support industry needs.”
Lum Seow Khun, Director, Public Sector Group, Microsoft Singapore added, “We are committed to building a resilient, and digitally inclusive Singapore, and are grateful for the opportunity to work with NYP and SSG as our nation continues on its digital transformation journey. Through deep robust ecosystem collaborations with institutes of higher learning and the public sector, we are best placed to drive innovation, improve productivity, create economic value, and contribute to our society as we empower every person and organization to achieve more.”
